Bizingle connects businesses with customers through social media
Bizingle is a social video app that enables businesses to create short videos to engage with loyal followers through social media. The videos can be promotions, product reviews, flash deals, testimonials, polls or whatever they feel is worth sharing with customers.
With every micro video created, users have an opportunity to build a community of followers who like their brand or business. Unique video functions such as video polling, video testimonials and video deals help businesses gather important customer information in real time, creates an opportunity to build credibility and can increase sales through word of mouth.
Here’s more from Bizingle cofounder and CEO Nelson Liem:
Q How did you come up with the idea for your startup? Was there an “ah-ha” moment?
A Over the past 10 years, I’ve been working with the owners of small- and medium-sized businesses to help them leverage barter as a marketing alternative. In working with 500-plus businesses, I realized that every one of them, no matter what the industry, experienced the same issues: How do I find new customers? How can I increase sales? How do I get the word out there about my business?
I looked at some of the top tech companies considered to be movers and shakers like Vine, Groupon and Snapchat. I knew I wanted to create an application that combined micro video, social media and time-limited special offers. When I fit all the pieces together, Bizingle was born.
Q What has been the biggest challenge so far? What have you done to solve it
A Our biggest hurdle to date has been capturing the attention of the media.
My partner and I have little experience in this department.
We identified this as a weakness in our business plan, and so we hired McEathron Media, a local PR/Media agency, to fill this void.
Q What would you like to share with others just starting out?
A My partner Kris [Bray] is a programming genius, and he has business smarts, too. We hold each other accountable, work well as a team, and most importantly share in the same vision. That I believe has contributed to our success thus far. My advice to new entrepreneurs would be to find an individual that you can trust, who helps to balance you in the areas of business where you are weak, who holds you accountable, and who is your biggest support … Join a business trade exchange to help conserve your cash flow.
Q What made you choose to go down the path of entrepreneurship?
A I’m a believer that you’re not living life if you’re not trying new things or taking risks. You learn from experiences. Being an entrepreneur let’s me live that to the fullest. For me, the best part of creating new experiences is the memories I get to create. Those memories include great people and opportunities that would never have been created if I hadn’t become an entrepreneur. When you can create value for people, it becomes rewarding.
Q What are your thoughts on our startup ecosystem?
A It’s unfortunate to see the government cut back on programs like the Meyers Norris Penny self-employment program in Calgary. Programs like this helps to stimulate employment and gives aspiring entrepreneurs an opportunity to pursue their dreams. I think the government should fund or subsidize more programs to aid entrepreneurs because it helps breed innovation, which results in economic growth.
Q What do you and your startup need help with?
A We are looking for local businesses and consumers who’d like to participate in our beta phase. Check out bizingle.com and give us your feedback. Lloyed Lobo covers technology startups in Alberta. He is the co-founder of Traction Conf and Boast Capital. If you’d like to be featured, please email llobo@boastcapital.com.